Topical Encyclopedia
The term "fellowservants" is used in the Bible to describe individuals who share a common service or duty, particularly in the context of serving God. This concept is rooted in the understanding of believers as part of a larger community of faith, united in their devotion and service to the Lord.
Biblical References:1.
Revelation 6:11 : "Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been." This passage refers to the souls of martyrs who are told to wait until the number of their fellowservants who are to be martyred is complete. It highlights the shared experience and destiny of those who serve God, even unto death.
2.
Revelation 19:10 : "So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'" Here, the angel identifies himself as a fellowservant, emphasizing the equality and shared purpose among those who serve God, whether angelic or human.
3.
Revelation 22:9 : "But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!'" This reiterates the message of shared service and the importance of worshiping God alone, recognizing the unity among those who uphold God's word.
Theological Significance:The concept of fellowservants underscores the communal aspect of Christian service. Believers are not isolated in their faith journey but are part of a larger body, the Church, which is called to serve God collectively. This communal service is characterized by mutual support, shared suffering, and a common mission to spread the Gospel.
Practical Implications:1.
Unity in Service: The idea of fellowservants encourages believers to work together in harmony, recognizing that they are part of a larger mission. This unity is vital for the effective functioning of the Church and the fulfillment of its mission on earth.
2.
Encouragement in Suffering: Knowing that others share in their trials and tribulations can provide comfort and strength to believers facing persecution or hardship. The example of fellowservants who have endured similar challenges serves as an inspiration to remain faithful.
3.
Focus on Worship: The repeated admonition to worship God alone, as seen in Revelation, reminds believers that their ultimate allegiance is to God. This focus on worship helps maintain the proper perspective in service, ensuring that all actions are directed toward glorifying God.
Conclusion:The concept of fellowservants in the Bible highlights the shared nature of Christian service and the importance of unity, encouragement, and worship in the life of believers. Through this understanding, Christians are called to support one another and remain steadfast in their devotion to God.
Library
Departed SaintsFellowservants with those yet on Earth.
... SERMON XXVI. Departed SaintsFellowservants with those yet on Earth. Revelation
xxii.9. "I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets."....
The Prodigal Son, and Other Stories.
... 'But the same servant went out, and found one of hisfellowservants, which owed
him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat...
Sermons on Various Important Subjects
... SERMON XXV. The Good Man Useful In Life and Happy in Death. SERMON XXVI. Departed
SaintsFellowservants with those yet on Earth. SERMON XXVII....
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is...
... I too was once where ye now are; and I who am seen now to be measuring out to my
fellowservants their food from this higher place, a few years since in a lower...
Darkness Before the Dawn
... First, he becomes lordly, he acts as if he were master, beats hisfellowservants,
he is harsh and ungenerous, and assumes great dignity and gives himself airs....
Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
The Ecclesiastical History of Theodoret. <....
Thesaurus
Fellowservants (4 Occurrences)...Fellowservants (4 Occurrences).
... (KJV). Matthew 24:49 And shall begin to smite his
fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; (KJV).
...Owest (4 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of hisfellowservants,
which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by...
Laid (552 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of hisfellowservants,
which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by...
Fellow-servant (6 Occurrences)
Fellow-servant. Fellowservant, Fellow-servant.Fellowservants . Multi-Version
Concordance... (ASV WBS YLT). Fellowservant, Fellow-servant.Fellowservants...
Fellow-servants (4 Occurrences)
Fellow-servants.Fellowservants, Fellow-servants. Fellowship . Multi-Version
Concordance... (ASV WBS YLT).Fellowservants, Fellow-servants. Fellowship ....
Robes (124 Occurrences)
... white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they
should rest yet for a little season, until theirfellowservants also and...
Drunken (38 Occurrences)
... Drunken (38 Occurrences). Matthew 24:49 And shall begin to smite hisfellowservants,
and to eat and drink with the drunken; (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)....
Pence (8 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of hisfellowservants,
which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by...
Smite (230 Occurrences)
... glory; (YLT). Matthew 24:49 And shall begin to smite hisfellowservants,
and to eat and drink with the drunken; (KJV). Matthew 26:31...
Season (101 Occurrences)
... white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they
should rest yet for a little season, until theirfellowservants also and...
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